RUNNING: Barcelona Half Marathon 2026 (SPA)

Barcelona, Spain 15 Feb 2026

Source: https://www.mitjamarato.barcelona/en/

The Barcelona Half Marathon 2026 (Hyundai Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks) is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026. 

Registration Status

The race is officially sold out. It reached its record capacity of 36,000 runners five months ahead of the event. 

• Secondary Options: The organizers have launched an Official Marketplace where runners who can no longer attend can list their bib numbers for resale.
• Charity Places: Most charity slots are also reported as full for the 2026 edition. 

Race Details

• Start Time: The race begins at 08:30 AM.
• Start/Finish Location: The course typically starts and ends at Passeig de Pujades, near the Arc de Triomf.
• Course: Known for being one of the fastest in the world, the route is entirely urban and flat, covering iconic landmarks like the Ramblas, Plaça de Catalunya, and the beachfront.
• Time Limit: Participants must finish within 2 hours and 45 minutes. 

Event Schedule (Bib Collection)

You must collect your race bib at the Expo Sports fair located at Fira de Barcelona (Pavilion 2) during these times: 

• Feb 12 (Thursday): 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Feb 13 (Friday): 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Feb 14 (Saturday): 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Note: Bibs are generally not distributed on the day of the race. 

Weather Conditions

Expected temperatures for February 15 are mild, typically ranging between 8°C and 14°C (46°F – 57°F), making for ideal running conditions. 

The Barcelona Half Marathon (officially the Mitja Marató de Barcelona) has evolved from a local Olympic-era initiative into one of the fastest and most prestigious road races in the world. As of 2026, it holds the distinction of being the fastest half marathon course in history.

1. The Origins (1991–2000)

The race was established in 1991, born from the “Olympic fever” that gripped the city leading up to the 1992 Summer Games.

• Early Years: Originally organized by Club Natació Catalunya, the race was much smaller, often attracting fewer than 1,000 runners.
• The Route: The initial start and finish lines were located in the Olympic Village, and the course primarily served local athletes and those training for the full Barcelona Marathon.

2. Growth and Professionalization (2001–2010)

During the early 2000s, the event began its steady climb toward international recognition.

• Mass Participation: By 2010, the race reached a milestone of 5,000 participants.
• Management Shift: In 2011, the organization was taken over by RPM Sports and ASO (the organizers of the Tour de France). This partnership brought a more commercial and professional approach, attracting top-tier global sponsors like eDreams and later Brooks.

3. The “World Record” Era (2014–Present)

Barcelona’s reputation for being “ultra-fast” was cemented by a series of world-shattering performances:

• Florence Kiplagat (2014–2015): The Kenyan star broke the women’s world record two years in a row on the Barcelona streets, finishing in 1:05:12 (2014) and 1:05:09 (2015).
• Eliud Kipchoge: The marathon legend also graced the course, winning back-to-back editions in 2013 and 2014, further elevating the race’s profile.
• Jacob Kiplimo (2025): Last year, the Ugandan athlete made history by shattering the men’s world record with an incredible time of 56:42, becoming the first human to officially run a half marathon in under 57 minutes.

4. Current Status: A Global Landmark

Today, the race is one of the few in the world to hold the World Athletics Gold Label.

• Popularity: Participation has exploded. After hitting 30,000 runners in 2025, the 2026 edition (taking place this Sunday, Feb 15) has set a new record with 36,000 registered participants, selling out months in advance.
• Inclusivity: The race boasts one of the highest female participation rates for a major half marathon, reaching 40% in 2025 and 2026.
• Atmosphere: Known as the “urban symphony,” the course features 24 entertainment points (DJs, bands, and concerts) along its flat, seaside route.

All-Time Course Records